Master of Arts in School Psychology, M.A.

Overview

Trinity University offers a three-year, 60-credit-hour program in School Psychology that prepares graduates to work in schools helping students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

Licensed Specialists in School Psychology (LSSPs) are responsible for collaborating with educators, parents, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning communities for all students. The Trinity School Psychology Program addresses knowledge, skills, and experiences in the areas of student evaluation, intervention, and counseling. Consultation and collaboration with parents and teachers is also an important focus of the program. Graduates are prepared to collect and compile data to assist in educational decisions at multiple levels from individual student to the larger class and school environments.

The third-year internship (6 credit hours) consists of a minimum of 1200 clock-hour placement in a school setting. This full-time paid experience occurs over two consecutive semesters (Fall and Spring) and provides interns with opportunities for supervised work in assessment, counseling, consultation, and program evaluation.

Upon completing the 60-credit hour program, students are eligible for national certification by NASP. The Trinity University program meets the certification and licensure requirements by states that have adopted NASP standards such as Texas.

Requirements for the master’s

The course of study includes:

EPSY - 5379 Psychological Assessment: Cognitive and Academic II Credits: 3
EPSY - 5380 Biosocial Basis of Behavior and Emotion Credits: 3
EPSY - 5381 Human Development and Learning Credits: 3
EPSY - 5382 Psychological Assessment: Cognitive and Academic I Credits: 3
EPSY - 5384 Behavior Management and Special Education Credits: 3
EPSY - 5385 Research Methods I - Advanced Statistics Credits: 3
EPSY - 5386 Psychological Assessment: Emotions and Personality Credits: 3
EPSY - 5187 Emotional/Personality Assessment Lab Credits: 1
EPSY - 5377 Supervised Practicum I - School Psychology Credits: 3
EPSY - 5378 Ethics, Standards and Procedures in School Psychology Credits: 3
EPSY - 5388 Neuropsychological Assessment and Remediation Credits: 3
EPSY - 5389 Counseling Theory and Methods Credits: 3
EPSY - 6378 Interventions and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Credits: 3
EPSY - 6380 Consultation Theory and Methods Credits: 3
EPSY - 6381 Research Methods II: Design and Application Credits: 3
EPSY - 6390 Multicultural Issues in School Psychology Credits: 3
EPSY - 6382 Group and Family Interventions Credits: 3
EPSY - 6185 Developmental Assessment Lab Credits: 1
EPSY - 6385 Developmental Assessment: Infants and Young Children Credits: 3
EPSY - 6386 Supervised Practicum II - School Psychology Credits: 3
EPSY - 6388 Legal and Ethical Issues Credits: 3
EPSY - 6183 Interventions Lab Credits: 1
EPSY - 6384 School Psychology Practice Credits: 3
EPSY - 7380 School Psychology Internship: Part I Credits: 3
EPSY - 7381 School Psychology Internship: Part II Credits: 3
EPSY - 6389 Psychological Assessment II: Emotions And Personality Advanced Credits: 3 (Optional Elective)

Admission to Major

Requirements

Applicants to the School Psychology Program are expected to have the following:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. An undergraduate major of psychology or education is preferred, although the program welcomes applications from candidates with other majors.
A grade point average of 3.0 for the last 60 credit hours taken. Students with a GPA below 3.0 are eligible for provisional admission.
Strong academic and professional references (three required).

Aptitude test scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). As of 2021, the GRE is not required for admission. Candidates may submit scores to strengthen their application.

Applicants must complete an on-line application, submit all required material, and participate in an interview (either on campus or by telephone if out of state) by February 1st for admission to the class beginning in August.

Military and Experience Policy

In accordance with 19 TAC 228.35(a)(5), the Department of Education at Trinity University evaluates, and may accept, military service, training, or education toward fulfillment of program prerequisite admission requirements. Military service, training, or education must be directly related to the certificate being sought and may not take the place of certification examinations. To be eligible, individuals must meet one or both of the following requirements:

Honorably discharged from the U.S. military, or
Completed a minimum of two years of service in the U.S. military and have been discharged as a result of a service-related disability.

Applicants should include a Joint Services Transcript or other verifiable documentation of military service, training, or education with their application to graduate study.

Applicants who are not military service members or military veterans can request the Department of Education to evaluate previous service, training, or education toward fulfillment of program prerequisite admission requirements. Service, training, or education may not count as part of internship, clinical teaching, or practicum requirements, must be directly related to the certificate being sought, and must be provided by an approved EPP or accredited institution of higher education within the past five years. Applicants should include official transcripts or other verifiable documentation with their application to graduate study.

For more information, contact the Department of Education at @email or (210) 999-7501.